Introducing Viz - parametric modeling for SketchUp

fluid

We just released Viz 0.2.1, you can get it here.

The biggest feature is the possibility to create and export custom nodes, for reuse and sharing. Adding this feature required a major code rewrite, and forced us to drop the support for files saved in the previous format. In the download page there is a new sample project that includes a custom node.

Here are the other features:

Improved node creation dialog (bigger and resizable), adding the possibility to sort by node category or description.
Grouped many nodes into a single one, with the possibility to choose the function performed by the node
Added nodes for loading and sampling image files
Added a node for loading arrays from text files
Added nodes for constant and gradient array creation
Added Clamp and Fxy nodes

pilou

A new toy to try! You will ruin my weekend!

pilou

I am alone to try it ? Works fine but ask a very precise training!

Curious that so many steps are necessary!

You have created all that from zero or have inspiration from some existing systems ?

PS If possible that new node will be not at the creation under other previous existing nodes
so on an empty space that will be more cool!

srx

This is great. I was aware of Grasshopper, but never used it. I learned more about it from the latest Archicad 20 versions which has hotlink to Grasshopper output. These are very important thing happening:
http://bim42.com/2012/07/geometry-gym/

If you could integrate IFC in your plugin, you could make Sketchup the best "slim" BIM software just like that.

Like this:
https://youtu.be/4n8U-PGmhCk

And the code is open source:
http://geometrygym.blogspot.rs/2016/02/openbim-just-became-more-open.html

fluid

We just released a new version of Viz, you can get it here.

In this version:

Added smooth shading and texture mapping output into SketchUp
Added a few new nodes, including Extrude
Preliminary Mac support, on SketchUp 2015/2016
Updated sample scenes

Here is a tutorial video about extrusions:

[flash:2jxsg7a4]https://www.youtube.com/v/_lLORq8ZZo8[/flash:2jxsg7a4]

pilou

Parametric indeed!
Why not 3D for thickness? (sure we have yet Joint PushPull by Fredo6)

JQL

@fluid said:

We just released a new version of Viz, you can get it here.

In this version:

Added smooth shading and texture mapping output into SketchUp

Added a few new nodes, including Extrude

Preliminary Mac support, on SketchUp 2015/2016

Updated sample scenes

Here is a tutorial video about extrusions:

OMG This is getting Huge

genki.tt

Great Update ! I could try on my mac, THX.

fluid

We are writing a getting started manual here.

It's still a work in progress and we would like to have your feedback about missing topics or things that need extra clarification.

pilou

If you are interested by a French version of the guide,
if it's not yet existing,
i can do it for the fun!
Same for the UI - if you have some texts, lists ...for not have to swim in the code!

French Translation of the guide done!

fluid

Thanks Pilou, great job!

fluid

We now have 3d boolean operations in Viz! You can grab the new version here.

Version 0.5.0 highlights:

3d Boolean Operations
Extrude node now works on surfaces as well, to create solids
Added a few more nodes, like CapEdge, ExtractEdge, etc
Updated the getting started guide

[flash:umzgk0ah]https://www.youtube.com/v/YJ2gFgG3Mk8[/flash:umzgk0ah]

Pixero

Looking great.
Now if we can have non destructive quad chamfer/bevel please.

pilou

Cool!
Does it the same is possible with 2 existing solids (not created with nodes) ?

Ps

@unknownuser said:

Updated the getting started guide

So I must update my French manual!

fluid

@Pixero: added to the todo list

@pilou: Yes, you can use a "GeometrySource" node to get geometry from SketchUp and then perform boolean operations. Keep in mind the solids need to be closed.

pilou

French Version Updated!

pilou

Does the Boolean Viz works with SU MAKE ?
Seems not! Even Union! (Maybe it's different than Envelopp ?

Suggestion : a Box Selection moving for place it for see that is behind!

fluid

Did you turn off the preview on node "GeometrySource-1" and "GeometrySource-2"? Otherwise they'll probably cover the result of the boolean operation. Also, you should connect the "Out Geometry" pins to the inputs of the boolean operation, not the "Active" pins.

pilou

OK! Better that works in SU MAKE except I must hide existing groups!

Just something not very clear!
How attribut easily an existing group to a specific Geometry Source Node?

Here I create a group then create a Node Source Then click Set Geometry Source
then I create a second group then a Second Node Source Then Click Set Geometry Source

It's not possible to select a Node Source existing on the Screen then Click Set Geometry Source? or...
There is a list a groups of Source objects but how to apply a specific Nodes?

Verify if your start Viz default axes are in the same orientation than default Axes SU Screen!
Seems there are not!
(Click for Zoom)

fluid

Currently the to assign SketchUp geometry to a GeometrySource node in Viz you have to select the appropriate GeometrySource in the list, but probably selecting the node directly in Viz would be more practical.
I'm adding it to the to do list, together with the axis orientation issue.

Instead of hiding the groups in SketchUp, you can also move the GeometrySink group to a different location, so you'll be able to see both the operands of the boolean operation as well as the results.